Buttermilk Baked Chicken (40 Minutes)

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Buttermilk baked chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick meal. The combination of tangy buttermilk and a flavorful spice blend infuses the chicken with incredible taste and keeps it moist and tender.

Baking the chicken in the oven ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior without all the extra fat of frying. This recipe is a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful and comforting meal. Let’s get cooking!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks and thighs, skin-on
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag and pour the buttermilk mixture over them, making sure they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
  6. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil and lightly greased with cooking spray.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For this recipe, I usually recommend skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs for a more flavorful and crispy outcome. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.

Make sure to fully coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture to achieve an even, crispy coating. Serve the buttermilk baked chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Pair this with...

Cheesy Grits

Start by bringing a pot of salted water or broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits to prevent lumps from forming. Let them simmer, stirring occasionally, until they absorb the liquid and get that desired creamy consistency. Now comes the cheesy magic: stir in a generous amount of your favorite cheese – cheddar works great – allowing it to melt and mingle with the grits. Once they're all creamy and cheesy, transfer them to a serving dish. Top with an extra sprinkle of cheese and let it melt into a gooey blanket. For the finishing touch, scatter some chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and a mild zesty kick.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Cheddar Biscuits

First, heat up your oven. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic powder for that extra depth. Blend in cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like chunky crumbs. Fold in a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese, spreading the cheesy joy throughout. Gently mix in milk, just until the dough pulls together. Now, using a big spoon, drop heaping mounds of this dough onto a baking sheet. They'll be imperfect and that's part of their charm! Slide them into the oven, watching as they expand and brown, with bits of golden cheddar making their appearance. Once baked to perfection, let them cool a bit, but serve warm.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!